Churches capitalise on Mel Gibson film
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Churches are employing a range of tactics - from block-booking cinemas to 24-hour hotlines - to capitalise on this week's opening of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, in an effort to convert audiences to Christianity.
Other tactics include leafleting campaigns and even the setting up of Christian coffee bars next to cinemas.
When the film, which depicts Christ's last hours in gruesome detail, opened in America, it was called the best recruiting tool for Catholics for 2,000 years.
Faced by declining congregations, British Protestant and non-conformist churches are hoping to capitalise on the interest the film may stimulate among cinema-goers.
The film opens at 90 cinemas on Friday and will then be shown across the country.
Baptist and Evangelical churches in Worthing have bought 1,000 tickets so non-churchgoers can see the film.
Graham Jefferson of Worthing's New Life Baptist church said: "The level of interest in religion generated by this film is unprecedented. People are talking about Jesus and his passion in a way I have never known."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments